“Lena Condotti, thanks for stopping by Novel PastTimes today! Were going to get right into it, tell us what first attracted you to Orazio Bordoni?”
“Without a doubt his boyish, messy look. I’d like to say it was his artistic skill since we met in the studio, but his hair, the bomber jacket, his massive smile caught me first.”
“You were modeling for a life drawing class the day you met. Was that a little bit awkward?”
(Laughs) “Maybe for him, I’m used to guys trying to take me out after class. I usually say no, but I couldn’t resist him.”
“How would you describe your relationship?”
“We both love adventure and doing the unexpected. We explore unknown spots in Rome and on the coast. I love to dress up and go out to dinner and go clubbing. Orazio is more casual. We try to strike a middle ground. I think he’d love camping in the mountains, but I can’t imagine getting all wet and grimy.”
“Has Orazio met your family? What did they think?”
“We haven’t been together long enough to meet my parents. Maybe after summer is over. I’d love to meet his parents though.”
“Any plans for that?”
“No, he doesn’t really talk about his family much. I don’t want to push him. I’ll meet them when he’s ready.”
“Tell us what is your ideal date with Orazio looks like?”
“Our first date, when he paddled me around the pond at Borghese Gardens and then we went to the museum was romantic and unforgettable. We could both spend the rest of our lives, looking and talking about art and being outside.”
“Who are your favorite Italian artists?”
“I’m more contemporary. Orazio likes the old masters. I love Modigliani, De Chirico and a few of the street artists around Piazza de Popolo.””
“At this point in your relationship with Orazio what are your hopes and dreams?”
“I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I think that no matter how rough your family upbringing is, you still want children with the man you love. I do want a family someday, not huge, just a couple of little Orazio’s running around.”
“Oh boys! Does he want children too?”
“Yes, I think so. He can be a bit mysterious when talking about the future. One minute he wants to own his own gallery and the next he’s talking about leaving Italy for a long holiday, we’ll see.”
“What about you? What would you say are the influences that have guided your life up to this point?”
“Because of Papa, I despise politics. I feel like I’ve spent a lot of time running from his spotlight. With Orazio, I’m free of that. He cares nothing for politics. I’m influenced by my heart and where it takes me.”
“Lucky you, I wish we could all say that. You’ve been quite a successful model, both in the studio and in Milan. Do you hope to keep modeling?”
“Definitely, as long as I can. Sophia Loren is my hero. She’s eternal, beautiful at every age.”
“You have a lot of inner confidence. Where does that come from?”
“Definitely my Nonna Condotti. My grandmothers practically raised me because Papa was traveling so much and Mama was busy at the theatre. I wear this Virgin Mary medallion to remind me that many mothers have blessed my life and made me strong.”
“Anything else you want to share?”
“Yes, thanks for chatting with me and I want readers to know, Viva Italia! Life is to be enjoyed. Don’t take it too seriously. Grazie!”
“Viva Italia! Thanks for your time today, Lena.”
Margaret Ann Philbrick’s first novel, A Minor: A Novel of Love, Music, and Memory received critical praise from Kirkus Reviews: “An emotional story . . . clear prose . . . delicately constructed . . . nuanced characters . . . breaks the mold.” She is the contributing editor of Everbloom: Stories of Deeply Rooted and Transformed Lives, a collection of essays and poetry for women. Her poems and articles have been featured in numerous anthologies and publications, including Christianity Today, Relevant, The Redbud Hyphen, and Patheos. Her Christmas book, Back to the Manger, created in collaboration with her mother, has become a holiday classic. Margaret is a founding member of the Redbud Writers Guild NFP and a member of the Door County Published Author Collective. You can connect with her via her website, www.margaretphilbrick.com
You can learn more about the painting featured in House of Honor at www.whostolethepainting.com
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